David French, writing in The Opinions, scrutinizes President Trump's proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund tied to January 6. He highlights a troubling double standard: under the fund's vague terms, those overseeing it could reimburse themselves for expenses, including per diems and hotels, or pay themselves fees. French suggests that anyone could apply by claiming they were at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and feel victimized by "Sleepy Joe Biden."
He contrasts two hypothetical cases: "MAGA Mike," who assaulted a police officer with a flagpole on Jan. 6, could be pardoned and then file a weaponization claim to receive up to a million dollars. Meanwhile, "Blue Bob," a protester against ICE in Minneapolis who is assaulted by a federal officer, would face immense hurdles to compensation through normal legal channels due to federal immunities. The fund, French argues, may end up rewarding those who committed violence while ordinary citizens struggle for justice.